INTELLIGENCE

Issue
cover-dated January 10, 2002

A
Right Royal Headache

It
promises to be a messy new year for Thailand politically, if the
messages from some senior officials are to be believed. Thai Prime
Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is becoming an
increasing source of irritation to King Bhumibol Adulyadej because
of Thaksin's perceived arrogance and his alleged attempts to
meddle in
royal family affairs. Thailand's constitutional monarch has no formal
role in day-to-day politics, but in a speech in early December marking
his birthday he lambasted the premier in public.Thaksin
is known to have business links with the king's son, Crown Prince
Vajiralongkorn. According to a senior official close to the
palace, all this is frowned upon by the king, prompting speculation of a
possible confrontation between the Prime Minister's Office and the
palace. The same source worries that Thaksin, who gained a massive
majority in last year's January 6 general election, may use his status
as Thailand's wealthiest businessman, with solid backing in parliament,
to fend off the royal palace. That would have serious and worrying
implications for the future stability of Thailand.